Indiana group lacks funds for safer-sex kits

Living with AIDS and Dignity, an Anderson, Ind.-based AIDS service organization that helps HIV-positive people in financial need, is having difficulty meeting demand for the safer-sex kits the group distributes free of charge. The organization relies on financial contributions and donations of condoms and personal lubricant for its kits, which include three condoms, a small sample of lubricant, safer-sex information, and a list of phone numbers for area HIV/AIDS service organizations. Since July, Living with AIDS and Dignity has distributed nearly 8,700 kits, up dramatically from 5,300 kits distributed throughout all of 2001. James Toloday, codirector of the organization, said his group does not have the money it needs to continue to provide the kits without additional donations. He attributes the funding shortage to a general waning level of support for AIDS causes and increased difficulties in obtaining federal HIV prevention money.